Stranger Things Documentary Director Responds to ChatGPT Script Rumors
Speculation swirls after fans spot a possible ChatGPT tab in the Stranger Things season 5 documentary. The director addresses the controversy, clarifying what really happened in the writers' room and whether AI played a role in the script.
After the finale of Stranger Things season 5 left some viewers wanting more, fans have been scrutinizing Netflix ’s latest behind-the-scenes documentary, One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things Season 5. Their attention quickly turned to a moment showing creators Matt and Ross Duffer working on the script in a Google Doc. What really caught the eye, though, was the background—specifically, a set of browser tabs that included Reddit and what many believe to be ChatGPT.
Social media buzzed with speculation. One fan posted a screenshot on Twitter, asking,
“Duffer Brothers really used ChatGPT for this script?”
The Duffer brothers themselves have yet to address the chatter, but the documentary’s director, Martina Radwan, recently spoke out in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter to set the record straight.
Director Weighs In on the AI Controversy
Radwan questioned the certainty of the claims, saying,
“I mean, are we even sure they had ChatGPT open?”
She pointed out that no one has actually proven the AI tool was in use. Radwan added,
“But to me it 's like, doesn’t everybody have it open, to just do quick research?... That's like having your iPhone next to your computer while you're writing a story.”
Her comments reflect how common it’s become for people to keep AI tools handy for everyday tasks.
Recent studies back this up, showing that by late 2025, ChatGPT had reached over 800 million weekly active users. Still, the real concern among fans isn’t just about having the tool open—it’s whether the Duffer brothers relied on AI to actually write the script for the final season. So far, there’s no evidence to support that idea.
Inside the Writers’ Room: Human Creativity or AI?
When pressed further, Radwan expressed skepticism about the possibility of using AI to craft such a complex story. She asked,
“How can you possibly write a storyline with 19 characters and use ChatGPT? I don't even understand.”
The director was also asked directly if she saw any unethical use of generative AI during the writing process. Her answer was clear:
“No, of course not. I witnessed creative exchanges. I witnessed conversation.”
At this point, there’s no concrete proof that the Duffer brothers used ChatGPT for the script. The documentary, One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5, is now streaming on Netflix, offering fans a closer look at the creative process behind the show’s final season.